Another Beginning

Today's my first day in the 'orange' building.

Hope that everything will turn out fine *cross my fingers*.

I'll be at level 4 for a couple of days. I'll be moving to level 15 when everything's ready.

Will definitely blog about it soon!

100%, The 2 Tanjungs & Ghost Stories

Wah. Macam glamer je bunyi tajuk kat atas tu.

The 100% Story
Saturday lepas was teacher-parents day kat skolah Kakak. We were there at 9.15. Tak ramai sangat parents yang datang when we got there. Agaknya masih ramai yang still in bed. Given a chance, I'd rather tido jugak coz the previous night tu hujan. Syiok berbungkus atas katil.

Anyways, Mrs Foong's overall comment for Kakak was 'Okay la. No comment.' Macam stail artis la pulak ni. She said Kakak did okay in school. Dulu she was very noisy tapi now dah tune down sikit. Selalu siap her homework on time and so on. Benda-benda yang baik belaka. Macam tak percaya pulaknya! Is she talking about Kakak? Tersilap orang kot ni?

When she showed us Kakak's mid year exam results, i almost fell off the chair. Terkejut yang amat sebab she scored A's and B's only! Nak dijadikan cerita, Deli and I didn't know schedule mid year exam Kakak sebab dia terlupa bagi the notice about exam schedule to us. I found the notice in her bag on Friday - the day yang we all balik from JB trip hari tu. Luckily, her exams were from Monday to Wednesday. The same Wednesday that we went to JB. Nasib baik dia tak ponteng on Wednesday!

Now you know why I almost fell off the chair when I saw her exam results. She even scored 100% in her Math exam! I know for sure, she's got that from Deli!

We were there for a mere 15 minutes.

Went to Giant soon after to get some stuff for the trip. Kena tunggu RR yang teramat la lambat sampai. Ada sebab-sebab yang tak dapat dielakkan, katanya. Iyo la tu!

Went and picked up VF from her condo and we were off to Malacca. Tengok-tengok, bad traffic all the way from Ampang to Bandar Tasik Selatan. So much for the semangat yang berkobar-kobar to reach Malacca early!

Not only that, the traffic kat Seremban pun boleh tahan jugak. Slow. Macam siput naik basikal.

The 2 Tanjungs
We finally reached Alor Gajah exit at almost 1pm. Somehow the 'pilot' wanted to venture new routes and yep - we ended up in Tanjung Bidara instead of Tanjung Kling!

The Ghost Stories
The Dutchman and his fiance were waiting at the hotel's restaurant when we (finally) arrived. We checked in and started chatting about Malacca, places to visit and ghost stories. Yes, ghost stories. Of all the things in this whole wide world, we picked ghost stories instead. Very clever indeed.

The Dutchman left for KL soon after while the kids and the two aunties were all excited to mandi manda in the pool and sea. There were some sort of family day for Maybank at the same time and place so you could imagine the amount of people crowding the pool. We spent less than an hour in the pool. Tak selera tengaok ramai sangat orang in there. The kids were dissapointed but we all promised to bring them in early the next day for a longer session.

Balik bilik and got ready for dinner at Umbai. It's my second time to the place so memang tak ingat sangat the route. Thanks to our hungry instincts - we found the place!

The food was fabulous, (mostly) fresh and undeniably cheap. VF had fun eating the sambal crabs. I have a picture to prove that!

Perut kenyang, hati pun senang. Nobody had any trouble going to sleep that night.

Had an early breakfast the next day. Lepas makan, everybody was pretty much in the mood to mandi manda. Well, except me. The kids and their dad jumped in the pool while the aunties strolled by the beach. We joined them not long after that. The beach was a bit dirty but everything else was just beautiful.

We finally checked out at noon an headed straight to KL.

The trip was super fun. I just wish that more people could join us but nonetheless, it was one fun event. Next time kita boleh try lepak kat tempat lain pulak.

A Night in JB

It's strage that i've never accompany Deli to any of his business trips. Not once.

When he was scheduled to go to JB, i thought that it was a good time to go with him. Kakak had just finished her mid year tests and Adik had no worries about school whatsoever.

The trip started late in the evening. Deli and his colleague picked the kids and I from the house and started the journey at 6.30pm. Stopped at Seremban rest area for dinner and at Pagoh for a short break. The whole journey took 5 hours.

It's been so long since I last visited JB that i couldn't recognize most of the buildings and surroundings. Checked into Puteri Pacific and headed for bed almost immediately.

We had an early morning the next day. Had breakfast at 7.30am. That was by far, the earliest breakfast we've ever had on a vacation! Adik and Kakak feasted on the cereals while Deli and I had nasi lemak. It was undeniably yummy! Deli was off for work an hour later while the kids and I retired to our room.

Headed to the pool at exactly 10am coz I just couldn't stand the monsters literally checking the swimming pool from the window every 2 minutes! They had the whole kiddies pool to themselves. They had fun for more than an hour before calling it a day. Besides, they were concerned when they saw the wrinkly skin they donned after a while. Heheh!

We had buffet lunch but the kids didn't eat much. Apparently they were more concerned about getting some sleep than eating. Both Adik and Kakak had only desserts. I took my own sweet time savouring the spread. The cakes and desserts were heavenly delicious!

We checked out at 6pm and reached home at almost 11.30pm. The trip was indeed short but fun. JB was fun.

We've made plans to go to Malacca this weekend. Half of the gang wil be there as well. Can't wait!

Here's My Story

Today’s Monday, May 15th 2006.

I’ve got Barry White CD popped in the player. I’m all set to write my story.

I’m at home, writing this and wondering if I’ll survive the day all alone at home.

I’m at home from now till end of the month (maybe) coz I have left VS. I will be starting my new job by then with the foreign company I mentioned in my previous entry. As for my last days in VS, I admit I left heavy-heartedly and had mixed feelings altogether.

My last day was supposed to be on May 7th but one day before my last day, the Indian consultant, AK, mentioned that HR wanted me to stay and they are willing to transfer me to AK’s team if I said ‘yes’. When I had my exit interview with HR earlier, they were shocked to learn that VF and I wanted to leave because we’ve had enough of Raccoon. We had no problem with the job but we couldn’t stand working in Raccoon’s team for obvious reasons. I knew I had to make a decision fast so I wrote an email to the gang and said I will be extending my stay for another 2 weeks. The phone immediately rang and ML was on the other end, hoping to talk me out of the decision I have made earlier. She did, at one point made me realized that I was too hasty. There were things that I overlooked and that I was blinded by the offer to join AK’s team. I admit that the offer was tempting. I would rather join AK’s team coz the job scope was far more interesting. Not to mention that AK and I got along so well coz we tend to think alike.

When I made the decision, my sole intention was to help Doorbell and AK. I didn’t realize that by helping them, I was actually helping the project as a whole. This is the issue. It’s a big issue among the gang. They didn’t want me to help the project in particular. They said this is the best time for revenge. After all, the management has done so many things to us all. Me included. To the gang, by extending my stay, it was as if I’ve forgotten all the hard times that the management had made us endured and it was like repaying cruelty with kindness.

I was torn between wanting to help those in need and satisfying the urge of revenge.

I went and see HR to say that I will only stay for a week instead of two.

Against the gang’s advise, I showed up to work the next Monday. As expected, I received emails from the lot. The Dutchman gave me an earful about my decision. Not to mention the calls from the rest. I almost lost my temper to ML because of what she said on the phone.

I told them, it’s a personal battle for me. A battle between principles, ego and compassion. I won’t know if it’s the right decision but if it’s not, then I’ll learn my lesson. If it’s the right thing to do, I should be proud that I could closed my eyes and ignore the ‘things’ that they’ve done and do them this last deed. I couldn’t say ‘no’ when Doorbell and AK asked for help. I felt it’s my responsibility to at least teach Doorbell what I know and give her that sense of confidence to perform UAT. After all, the clients will be there to judge our every move and decisions. I even came to work on Wesak Day; just to help them out coz it didn’t feel right to leave them when they’re facing such problems. The problems were huge, by the way. I have made a decision to stay on for another week just to help them, sort out the problems and to convince the clients that we know what we’re doing coz they are losing their confidence just by looking at how Doorbell performed the UAT and the amount of problems we’re having. AK confirmed my concerns when the clients started asking him about SAP and that they were surprised to learn that I was leaving.

I was willing to stay for the second week but I finally decided not to because Raccoon did not even bother to ask me to do so.

In fact he didn’t bother to ask me anything at all since the day I hand him the resignation letter. He didn’t ask why I wanted to leave, let alone asked me to stay longer. He didn’t even have the decency to say ‘thank you’ when I decided to stay for the first week. Heck, even the PMO Director thanked me for making that decision!

Doorbell and AK was upset, I could tell. It was hard for me as well but I have to teach Raccoon a lesson. I’m not too proud of my action – leaving them in such condition but I think it’s about time that I get even with Raccoon. Like I mentioned, this was a personal battle for me. They have used me over and over, all these while. Now it’s time for them to see that what goes around, comes around.

So, that’s why I’m at home today. Taking a break for a couple of weeks before i start my new job.

*****************************************************************************************

I hope I’ll survive the days alone in the house coz my house was broken into a few weeks ago. In fact, 2 times in less then 2 weeks!

The first occurred on a Thursday. Deli got home a few minutes before me to find the sliding door wide opened. He went in to switch on the light and called the cops. They arrived almost 45 minutes later. Apparently they went to the wrong house and surrounded the house thinking that the thieves were still in there. Meanwhile, we were standing outside ours for almost an hour like idiots.

The house was a total wreck. I lost all of my jewelries, some money, the kids’ piggy banks and Deli’s PS II. They didn’t touch others and most importantly, they didn’t do anything to the cats. We were just thankful that nobody was home and harmed.

Less then 2 weeks later, on a Tuesday, Deli picked up the kids and Tok Mak whom has just arrived from BP by bus. I was still in the office when Deli called to inform that the house was broken into again! I was shocked and immediately lost concentration on work. I didn’t drive that day so I had to wait for Deli to come and fetch me. Got to know later on that the thieves didn’t manage to get pass the grilled door so they didn’t manage to get in this time. Still, the thought of somebody trying to break into the house haunts me. Especially when Deli was due to fly to Sydney the next. Boy, am I glad that Tok Mak agreed to accompany me this time around!

So, hopefully nothing bad is gonna happen while I’m alone in the house.

The Little Ray of Light

I seriously need to update this blog more often.

I know the last entries were nothing but grumbles and complaints about Raccoon and how he’s been treating the team. Nothing much has changed. He’s still the Raccoon that I despise.

I am still amidst of unit testing. The Indian consultant left for Mumbai last Friday. I guess he couldn’t handle the pressure. There’s a new Indian consultant in house but he’s much worse than the first. He fixes things, all right, but only to initiate more problems. My failed test cases are still open since last Friday. I have more than 80 test cases to complete by end of the month. I don’t even want to think about the yakking that I’m going to get from raccoon.

Oh well. Sigh.

VF is leaving VS in 2 weeks. Am totally happy for her but sad at the same time coz I’m losing another ally. So in 2 weeks, I will be the only one with PS v8 experience in the team. I don’t even know if that’s an advantage for me or otherwise.

Speaking of leaving, I was promised a position in a foreign company. It’s a verbal agreement and there’s no black and white yet so I’m not going to elaborate further. I’m crossing my fingers that it’s materializing. Besides that, I have 2 more interviews in tow, thanks to recommendation from friends. (Hey Elin, you’re totally right about this!)

I’m hoping that things will be better and I pray that I’ll be able to close ‘the deal’ soon.

OMG!

Goodness! I have totally abandoned this blog!

I blame it all on the revoked Internet access a few weeks back. I didn't think it would matter much coz I'm still able to go online from home.

Until one day, Raccoon offered me the assignment of a lifetime. I was tempted to accept it though close friends were strongly against the idea. I understood their point. We all know the consequences and that my head will be on the chopping board if things go wrong. I could either accept the assignment and work like a cow OR refuse it and have to slog on the project paper that I absolutely have no interest whatsoever.

The choice was obvious.

So, I have been working like a mad cow ever since and thank God, it all went according to plan. Setup was done in a week and I'm been doing component testing till next week. It's a one-man show from my section and I deserve the right to gloat. Raccoon was pleased and was impressed that I can even deliver additional assignments on time.

He called me to a meeting room yesterday. I couldn't stop thinking if I've done something wrong coz you won't be called to a meeting room unless you're about to be yelled at or screwed by your boss. Well at least, that's the culture in this office.

I was surprised when he showered me with praises and all. It's not like him at all. I was a bit shocked but decided to accept the good words anyways. After all, I didn't put a knife to his throat and force those words out of him. It's good that he's mellowed a bit. Which proves the theory that man can be sweet and nice after they've 'got some' and can be bitter if they didn't 'get any'. Raccoon just tied the knot a few weeks back, so go figure. Hahahah.

Oh, back to my point. I worked like a mad cow (the attitude, not the disease!) these past few weeks that I didn't get to update my blog as frequent as I wanted to.

Apart from that, Kechik has been in and out of the hospital for a couple of weeks. We tried visiting him as much as we could when he was boarded for a little over a week, earlier this month. After he was discharged, there were frequent visits to the vet to change his wound dressings and all. Whenever the appointment was due, we'd rush back from the office, pick up the kids and Kechik before heading off to the hospital. It was really taxing to both Deli and I.

Thanks to all the prayers, well wishes and the amount of dosh spent, he is now his normal self again. He needs to grow some coat over the shaved area but apart from that, everything else is just great.

On a lighter note, I have made a decision to end my tenure in this company. I don't have a specific date at the moment but I have a hunch that it's gonna be soon. I will leave this hellhole even without any job offer. That's how much I hate this place.

Having said that, I am currently looking for a job that is HR or PeopleSoft related.

Hopefully.

Welcome Home!

Kechik's home!!

He's doing okay though still bandaged. He's eating his normal food and the stitches looked okay. He's back to lounging on my bed again.

As expected, the bill's a killer but we can always find more money. The amount we paid is nothing compared to the joy that Kechik brings to my family. He is indeed a family member.

Baby Cat is trying to get used to Kechik's new look. Frankly, he looks a bit funny around the shaved area. Look at the picts..

We're glad that he's okay and most importantly, is back home with his family.

Happy Anniversary

Deli dearest,
happy 7th wedding anniversary!

You are the greatest partner, a terrific dad to the kids and the best friend i've ever known.

Hey, we've made it this far! Can't believe it myself but we did it!

Thank you for being such a wonderful person and always be there for me.

I love you always and forever.

Kechik oh Kechik Part II

Left the office quite early today. Couldn't wait to see how Kechik was doing. I was very worried coz we're scheduled to leave for Tok Mak's place tomorrow.

Reached the animal hospital to find the same doctor on duty. He was indeed a nice and patience man. He led us into the boarding room and spend some alone time with Kechik. He looked distress, which was expected when he's left in a room full of other cats. He refused to let us touched him at first but started to purr softly when we stroke and patted him later on. I was close to tears, looking at him like that. He was shivering and his movements were limited due to the anesthetic. His wounds were still open coz they wanted to properly clean the area and make sure there was no infection.

Heavy heartedly, we left the hospital half an hour later. Adik was sad that we didn't get to bring Kechik home. My poor babies!

Kechik oh Kechik

Was shocked to find trails of blood when I opened the door. Baby Cat was lounging on the sofa, obviously healthy. I asked the kids to look for Kechik.

Kakak & Adik: Mummy! Banyak darah dalam bilik air mummy!! Cepat mummy!

I almost lost my balance climbing the stairs to my bedroom. Indeed there were more blood stains and some larger pools in the bathroom. Kechik was nowhere to be found.

I finally found him hiding between the boxes in the room downstairs. I lifted him up - his body was cold and I started to worry. Didn't see any cuts or wounds at first until I saw a matted area on his chest. Mind you, his coat is long and thick. Fetched some lukewarm water to clean the matted area to found a gaping wound that I could literally see his flesh. That was when i started to panic. I called the animal hospital and informed them of the situation. Luckily they're not attending any emergency case at that time. Called Deli and coaxed Kechik to his carrier.

Reached the hospital around 9pm and after a series of questions, the vet informed that he needed to shave Kechik's neck area to have a better look at the wound. It was quite big. He was immediately boarded and the vet asked us all to come and see him again on Friday.

Shaving Kechik

Please pray for my 9 years old Kechik. Just hope that he won't need any surgery. *crossing fingers*

Note: Kechik was admitted to the same hospital on the same date 7 years ago due to kidney problem. Ironic.